– Boy (2) wants winter shoes size 26. Girl (18) wants a rain jacket. These are things most people have at home, says Hele Skeie Østhus. She is a section leader in the Church’s City Mission in Haugesund. Today she took a trip out to one of the Christmas trees they have standing outside with wishes from people. Last year, 1,800 requests were received. This year, more than 4,000 have come in so far. – We hope to help everyone, but we don’t know, she says. Helene Skeie Østhus sees a completely new type of person who asks for help to live. Photo: Rosa Irén Villalobos / news For Kirkens Bymisjon, it is nothing new that people struggle financially before Christmas. – It’s just that the scale is so much bigger this year, she says. Both her and other organizations know they will fall short before the celebration this year. – People are unable to pay their bills. Someone has no food. We can help with gifts and meals. But it doesn’t pay people’s bills, she says. New group of poor Over half a million Norwegians live below the low-income limit. In that case, students are not counted. The latest figures from Statistics Norway show that 115,000 children under the age of 18 live in families with persistently low incomes. The EU’s definition of low income is income below 60 percent of the median income. – It is heartbreaking, says Østhus. She believes that a new group of poor people has arrived in society. Corps leader Anne Grethe Amland in the Salvation Army in Stavanger. Photo: Kjersti Hetland / news – People who previously had completely normal lives are hit by high expenses. At the Salvation Army in Stavanger, many people come to get a free meal. – We have noticed especially in the autumn that the pressure has increased. Especially among families with children who have not had much help before, says corps leader Anne Grethe Amland. – Are we at the point where families with children cannot afford food? – Yes, some people can’t afford it, says Amland. Food delivery at the Salvation Army in Drammen. Photo: Elisabeth Tøtte Hansen / news Bringing in less Several of the organizations have also noticed that it is more difficult to get monetary gifts in the autumn. – I already started the Christmas collection in October this year, says Astri Pedersen. She runs the aid organization “Hjerte for Menneske”. For ten years, she has collected money and helped people who are struggling all over the country. Astri Pedersen runs the organization “Hjerte for Menneske”. Photo: Rosa Irén Villalobos / news – I have noticed that there have not been as many contributions as in previous years. Many people may not have much to worry about themselves, says Pedersen. She believes there are many more people who struggle than we think. – It is taboo for many to ask for help with food and everyday things, she says. The organizations are now calling for government help. And fear what will happen when the Christmas lights are turned off. – January will probably be demanding. Now AS Noreg must help, says Helene Skeie Østhus in the Church’s Bymission. Poverty crisis Storting representative Mimir Kristjansson (Raudt) believes Norway is in the middle of a poverty crisis. – This is a predicted disaster. We have done far too little to overcome poverty. It is not possible in one of the richest countries in the world that people do not have food on the table or a warm house, he says. Mimir Kristjansson believes the poverty we see in Norway is a predicted disaster. Photo: Rødt He believes that all benefits in the welfare state should be increased. – And then it must be easier to go to Nav and seek help. People need help there. Don’t be met with control and mistrust. – But maybe this can’t happen before Christmas? – A lot can easily be done before Christmas. Among other things, to give all social assistance recipients a few extra kroner. It is also possible to instruct Nav that they must not demand that people sell their houses and cars in order to get help, he says. In addition, he believes that voluntary organizations should receive more money. So that there is food for everyone who cannot afford it. Minister of State: – Prices have risen more than expected Labor and Inclusion Minister Marte Mjøs Persen (Ap) acknowledges that there are more people than usual in a demanding economic situation. – Just since we presented the state budget in October, prices have risen more than expected. The government is busy dealing with the new situation, she says. Labor and Inclusion Minister Marte Mjøs Persen (Ap) says the government, among other things, has allowed more money to voluntary organisations. Photo: Mathias Moene Rød Mjøs refers to several extensions of already established support schemes for people and families with low incomes. The housing allowance will increase. It also applies to child benefit for lone parents and lone parents with a low income. In addition, core time in SFO will be free for first and second graders following the state budget agreement between the governing party and SV. In addition, the food centers will receive NOK 7 million more next year, and the disabled and pensioners on the lowest support level will receive increased support. – In addition, the government has granted an extra NOK 20 million to voluntary organisations. Several organize alternative Christmas celebrations and social activities, but also provide Christmas aid in the form of food boxes and gifts to those who need it, she says.
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